“The Star Spangled Banner” is our National Anthem. It’s so important that our children grow up learning this song and know the history of why it is written. I want you to feel confident teaching not only the song, but the story behind The National Anthem to your students. So, in this blog post, I want to show you how to teach The Star Spangled Banner.
Who wrote “The Star Spangled Banner”
Francis Scott Key, an American poet, author, and lawyer, wrote “The Star Spangled Banner.” Key witnessed Baltimore, Maryland being bombed by the British in 1814, during the war of 1812, and wrote a poem titled “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” He was aboard a ship, and as morning came, he could distinctly see our American flag waving proudly in the sky through all of the smoke. The poem was eventually set to music, and it became the song we all know today
Why is “The Star Spangled Banner” our National anthem
In 1931, America adopted “The Star Spangled Banner” as our National anthem. After the war of 1812, it started being sung everywhere, kind of like a tune you hear on the radio today that becomes well known. During the Civil war, Union troops began singing the tune more and more and it gained in popularity. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed an executive order that “The Star Spangled Banner” will be sung as our national anthem for all military ceremonies. In 1931, after finally passing in Congress, it officially became America’s official National anthem.
What’s the deal with standing and putting my hand over my heart
With all the disagreement in our country about everything from religion, to politics, to parenting, to sexuality, agreeing on something does not come easy. When we stand for our National anthem, it is a time for us all to stand in unity, to pause and reflect about how great our country is, and to all join together with pride as Americans. Standing and putting our hands over our hearts are signs of respect for our flag, for the many courageous soldiers who fought and died for our freedom, and for our country. You may not agree with every decision being made by our government, but we are all still “One Nation under God” and when you choose to not stand, you are disrespecting so many who risked or gave up their lives for you.
How do I teach my students about respect for our country
You are the main role model in your child’s life. If you hear the National anthem being sung at a sporting event, be the first to stand up and put your hand over your heart. Teach your boys to take off their hats. Discuss with them the many soldiers who fought for our freedom, especially someone who they are related to who they can form a connection with. Discuss with your child how we are the “land of the free and the home of the brave.” If you have the news on and your child sees the destructive protests going on, teach them how to peacefully voice their opinions. When your child hears someone talk about someone in leadership in a disrespectful way, teach them how to disagree respectfully. Teach your child not to live in fear, but to live in love. Raise them to be good citizens and to respect our great country.
What do you think makes our country so great? What are your favorite Patriotic songs to teach to kids?
With so much negativity from many, many music teachers about teaching the national anthem, it is refreshing and encouraging to find this article. Thank you so much, Jessica, for sharing your expertise and insights!
Thank you so much for your sweet response! I appreciate it.
Jessica
Thanks for speaking out and supporting both music education and our great country.
Thank you for your support! I knew I would draw a lot of attention by using a politician’s campaign slogan, but it fit with the message I was trying to get across.